I had to share this precious photo sent to me by a “music mom”. I am sure this little student was overcome with exhaustion after a particularly productive practice session. I wonder if she was dreaming of playing at Carnegie Hall?
How do you know when you are an exceptional student? When your teacher is always asking you for something new! You work hard at the shaping of a phrase so now your teacher requests that you add more rubato. You finally reach the metronome speed in your lesson book and your teacher comes up with…
This month I had a Canadian composer visit my students and the students of a colleague. Tyler Seidenberg was born in Oakville and while in highschool began a compositional journey that culminated in a series of solos/duets for piano. His work is both interesting and challenging for the growing musician. I often hear “sweet” from students during an intro to…
How much should my child practice each day? This is a question I hear many times in a year. It is a tricky question and really can only be answered in this way, “for as long as it takes.” Seems pretty arbitrary I know, but that really is the best answer. The fact that parents…
Looking for a fun way to re-enrgize your young musician’s practice time? Check out these awesome apps for iphone or iPad. Music Quest. An app to motivate your child to play at the bench a little longer. My Note Games. Five awesome games that help children with note naming, identifying patterns by ear and transcribing! I…
Growing pains. They are part of the maturing process. They can be physical in nature but many times they are emotional. Even more painful is watching your child or student work their way through the inevitable discomfort of growth. Yet, looking back on my career, it is the moments after unrest that hold the greatest of victories. Early…
I hate to say it, but summer is almost at an end. As sad as it is to see it go, I am getting so excited for the return of my students, routine and the hustle and bustle of the music year. It can be difficult to transition from the lack-a-daisy schedule of the past…
